Mascara Tips: Pick Your Magic Wand

How to choose among the many mascaras on the market?

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Focus on the lash look you want, then pick the brush shape that will offer it. (Most packages feature a drawing of the wand on the back.) And if all the goals in the guide below sound good, test a few mascaras — most are multitaskers.

Plump Up Skimpy Lashes

A tree-shaped brush, with short bristles at both ends and longer ones in the middle, lays down a thick coat of mascara, which means extra volume.

Get Major Definition

The comb-style wand coats and separates each lash, however tiny, from root to tip.

Really Lengthen

A cone shape stretches out each lash — and doesn't leave behind any clumps.

Add Curl Without a Curler

Use a curved wand and apply light pressure to bend lashes as you coat them.